2020 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Kia Telluride was a standout in Kia's lineup, breaking away from the brand's reputation for merely adequate vehicles. It presented a sophisticated and upscale appearance, often mistaken for a more expensive luxury SUV. The Telluride's design was a blend of boxy and fluid elements, reminiscent of high-end models from Chevy and Volvo. Its clean, minimalistic design, coupled with special details like LED running lights and distinctive badges, gave it a unique identity. Inside, the Telluride offered a luxurious feel with features like Nappa leather seats and a soft headliner, making it seem like a vehicle worth much more than its actual price.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue maintained an attractive appearance despite its age, with a bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells. However, its interior revealed its dated design, with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The Rogue's center console offered thoughtful padding for comfort, but overall, the interior lacked the modern appeal found in newer models. While the Rogue's exterior design was appealing, its interior left much to be desired in terms of contemporary aesthetics and materials.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was equipped with a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an 8-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. Despite its power, the Telluride's transmission sometimes exhibited delayed and inconsistent responses, and its steering and handling were not as agile as some luxury SUVs. However, it offered a smooth ride, aided by double-paned glass and acoustic insulation. The Telluride's towing capacity was competitive at 5,000 pounds, and its fuel economy was reasonable, with FWD models achieving 20/26/23 mpg.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While the CVT made the most of the available power, the Rogue struggled with acceleration, especially in demanding situations like freeway merging or mountain climbing. The Rogue's fuel economy was also disappointing, achieving only 24.9 mpg in testing, despite EPA estimates of 29 mpg combined. However, the Rogue's ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though it still lacked the fun-to-drive factor.

The 2020 Kia Telluride offered flexible seating for seven or eight passengers, with ample room and comfort in the second row. The interior was well-equipped with features like air vents, USB ports, and cupholders for all passengers. The Telluride's cargo capacity was impressive, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet with all seats folded. The dashboard featured analog controls and configurable infotainment displays, with higher trims offering larger screens and additional features.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior was less accommodating for taller drivers, with limited seat adjustment options. However, rear passengers enjoyed a comfortable seating position with excellent visibility and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The Rogue excelled in cargo space, offering 39 cubic feet behind the back seat and additional underfloor storage. Despite its spaciousness, the Rogue's in-cabin storage was limited, with only the glove compartment providing significant space.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, offering remote access features. Upper trims included advanced navigation with voice inputs and live traffic updates. The Telluride's technology suite was impressive, with features like a blind-spot camera display, Highway Driving Assist, and a Harman Kardon surround stereo. However, it lacked onboard WiFi and a rear-seat entertainment option.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue offered a comprehensive infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Additional features included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. NissanConnect Services provided remote access and safety features, but the system's interface was outdated and slow to respond. The 7-inch touchscreen and voice-recognition technology were not up to modern standards, detracting from the Rogue's tech appeal.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was equipped with a comprehensive suite of active driver assists, including forward-collision alert, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured Safe Exit Assist and optional surround-view cameras. Although crash-test ratings were not available at the time, the Telluride was expected to perform well in safety evaluations.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 collection, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional ProPilot Assist provided adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, though it felt dated compared to newer systems. The Rogue's crash-test ratings were less favorable, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and issues with frontal-impact protection.